Increased Influenza Activity in NWT

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES (February 25, 2025) - The Chief Public Health Officer is advising the public of an increase in influenza activity in all regions of the NWT. Recent data shows a rise in Influenza A and B cases, as well as increased virus levels in Yellowknife wastewater, indicating increased wider community transmission.

Influenza typically follows two seasonal waves:

  • Influenza A usually peaks in fall and early winter but appeared later this season, with most cases emerging after the holidays.
  • Influenza B normally increases in late winter and spring but has been detected earlier this season.

In recent weeks, territorial influenza activity has remained high, with more individuals seeking care for influenza-like illness at Stanton Territorial Hospital’s emergency department.  with influenza and influenza-like illness. Most cases reported so far are influenza A (H1N1 and H3 subtypes), while  Influenza B cases remain lower.  

Other respiratory viruses, including RSV and to a lesser extent COVID-19 are also circulating contributing to further illness and health care visits.

Vaccination Rates

As of February 1, 2025:

  • 17.8% of eligible NWT residents had received at least one dose of influenza vaccine.
  • 41% of NWT residents aged 65 and older have been vaccinated.

Health Risks and Complications

Respiratory viruses, such as influenza, can lead to secondary illnesses such as strep throat, ear infections and pneumonia. We have noted an increase in reported pneumonia deaths this respiratory season.

Prevention and Protection

To reduce the risk of illness and prevent the spread of infection:

  • Get vaccinated. IT IS NOT TOO LATE! There is still an opportunity to be protected with this year’s flu shot.
  • Identify symptoms early, seek care if needed and consider the use of antivirals or other medication if appropriate. Call 811 for more information. Call 911 if you are experiencing severe symptoms.
  • Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness.
  • Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing.
  • Wash your hands frequently.

To check your eligibility for other vaccines, such as the pneumococcal vaccine, call 8-1-1 or review the NWT Immunization Schedule.

Recognizing Symptoms

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have a respiratory virus such as influenza:

  • Fever,
  • Cough,
  • Runny nose,
  • Body aches,
  • Fatigue, or
  • Generally feeling unwell

For medical advice, call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse. Nurses are available 24/7 to help clients assess when it is appropriate to book an appointment, when someone should call ahead to warn the health centre of a potential communicable disease, or when to manage their symptoms at home.

When to Seek Medical Care

Seek medical care at your local health centre if:

  • You are at higher risk of complications from respiratory illness.
  • Your symptoms persist or worsen.

You have a productive (cough that produces mucus or phlegm) or persistent cough.

Call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest health centre immediately if you experience more severe symptoms such as:

  • Shortness of breath,
  • Chest pain, or
  • Require urgent medical attention

Who is at Higher Risk?

People at high risk of influenza-related complications/hospitalization include:

  • Children aged 6 months – 59 months of age,
  • Adults 65 years of age and older,
  • Pregnant individuals,
  • People of any age who are residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities,
  • People residing in small, rural, isolated communities with limited access to health car services.

Adults and children with the following health conditions are also at increased risk:

  • Chronic heart, lung or kidney disease,
  • Diabetes,
  • Cancer or any other condition and/or medication that weakens the immune system,
  • Extremely overweight,
  • Anemia,
  • Neurologic or neurodevelopmental conditions that increase risk in children (6 months to 18 years of age) on long-term aspirin therapy.

Spring Break and Travel Considerations

Canada is also seeing a significant increase in influenza, across all regions.  If you have spring break travel plans it is not too late to get vaccinated prior to travel.  The NWT also anticipates an influx of travelers and visitors during spring break in March. To protect yourself and others:

  • Ensure you and your family (6 months of age and older) are up to date on vaccinations, including the flu vaccine and other vaccines that may protect against viruses and bacteria spread through the air like measles and meningitis.
  • If you plan to travel, especially post-secondary students returning home, get the flu vaccine at least 14 days before returning to be protected.
  • Call your local public health unit or health centre to book an appointment for your influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.
  • If you have already had Influenza A but have not received the flu shot, you can still get vaccinated to protect against Influenza B.
  • If you need two doses of the influenza vaccine, ensure you receive the second dose.

The Chief Public Health Officer will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on a regular basis until this advisory has been lifted.

 

 

For more information contact:

Umesh Sutendra
A/Manager Communications
Health and Social Services
HSSmedia@gov.nt.ca